Guangying Wang

Background

Wang Guangying was born into an industrialist’s family in 1919 in Beijing.

Education

Wang Guangying graduated from the Chemistry Department of Furen Catholic University in 1942.

Career

Throughout his life, Wang Guangying has been heavily involved in both industry and politics because of his family background and connections. Soon after he graduated from college in 1943, Wang founded the Modern Chemical Factory with a friend in Tianjin. As Tianjin was occupied by the Japanese at the time, Wang’s factory had difficulties obtaining the machines necessary for its proper functioning. In desperation and as a result of his resourcefulness and creativity, Wang invented methods related to machinery and materials that enabled him to overcome the shortages and eventually allowed the factory to run well and to make a profit. As the chemical factory was making headway, Wang also established a knitwear factory in Tianjin.

In 1949, the Chinese Communist Party gained control over China. When the government under Mao Zedong began the process of nationalizing private businesses and enterprises, Wang was among the first industrialists in Tianjin to turn over his factories to the state while he himself became a manager. At a lunch party held by Premier Zhou Enlai to entertain Soviet guests in 1957, Wang Guangying and several other figures in industry and commerce were also invited. At the party, Zhou Enlai laughingly referred to Wang as a ‘red capitalist,’ most likely the first time the term was publicly used.

With the onset of economic reform, his background as an industrialist led him to the business world once again. In 1983, he was named chairman and general manager of the state-owned Everbright Group Ltd, located in Hong Kong. The main goals of the company were to attract foreign investment, introduce new technologies to China, and provide funds for China’s new projects in areas such as energy, electronics, raw materials, and transportation.

The Everbright Corporation in Hong Kong thus played an important role in China’s economic development. In the 1980s, when China was still at the initial stage of opening up to the outside world, the company also played a significant political role as an intermediary between China and the West. Many famous foreign dignitaries, including former US president Richard Nixon and former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger, were guests at Everbright Group and were entertained by Wang Guangying. Wang left Everbright Group in 1989 for political posts in China, although he continued to hold the title of honorary chairman of the company.

Politics

A capitalist to begin with, Wang Guangying also became a high-profile political figure, holding political positions in the 1950s and early 1960s. However, during the years of the Cultural Revolution, Wang Guangying suffered heavy persecution and was imprisoned for years because of his background as a capitalist and especially as a result of his family connection to President Liu Shaoqi, who was condemned by Mao Zedong as the ‘No. 1 Capitalist Roader’ in China and died miserably in prison in 1969. When the Cultural Revolution was over, Liu Shaoqi and Wang Guangying, along with numerous other persecuted people, were rehabilitated politically. Wang’s career began to flourish once again. He served as vice mayor of Tianjin between 1979 and 1982.

Personality

Close to 90 years old, Wang has led a colorful life. His career as an industrialist and businessman has been intertwined with politics. His sharp mind, shrewdness, and vision along with his unusual family background have made him a success in both areas. Despite his accomplishments, eyewitness accounts suggest that he remains personable and approachable.

Connections

One of his sisters was Wang Guangmei, the famous wife of Liu Shaoqi, late president of the state and vice chairman of the Chinese Communist Party.

Sister:

GUANGMEI WANG